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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising area.

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike.

Late Drama

Although failing to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado next.